Laurel City Councilwoman Resigns

Fighting back tears during a Laurel City Council meeting Monday night, Councilwoman Gayle W. Snyder (Ward 1) announced that she would be resigning from her position June 1.

Snyder said she wanted to spend more time with her husband, Fred Snyder, who underwent emergency heart surgery last summer, adding that after purchasing a beach home in Delaware, her husband had been waiting for nearly a year for her to retire so they could move.

"Everyone has a plan... I thought it was time for us to start a new chapter," she said.  "My husband has been very patient. It's time."

Snyder is in her third term as a council member.  She was Council President from October 2008 until October 2010 and is a former Chair of the City of Laurel Civic Improvements Committee, former Chair of the city's Historic District Commission and a former member of the city's Tree Board.

Council President Michael R. Leszcz said that Snyder's replacement would be selected by the council before the fall.  Those interested in the position will be given a chance to apply, he said.

Snyder said leaving Laurel is bittersweet.  Her family has lived in the city since 1908 when they purchased a home on Prince George Street. She attended Laurel Elementary, Laurel Junior High and Laurel High School.  She said she always pushed for more services for city residents while on the council.  She also pushed for the bike rodeo, the dog show and the mayor's open house.

"I really wanted to have activities for the city," she said.

Kim Rau, clerk for the city, said Snyder has been instrumental in the city maintaining its community feel.

"She's always wanted to bring the small town feel to [Laurel]," she said.  "She'll be missed."